State Representative Tom Walsh Stops by with a Check for Bridgewell!

Representative Thomas Walsh worked with Massachusetts Treasurer and Receiver General Deborah B. Goldberg to claim close to $8,000 for Bridgewell through the Unclaimed Property Division.  He stopped by the Headquarters earlier this week to present the check to Bridgewell President & CEO Chris Tuttle.

“I was pleased to work together with Chris and Treasurer Goldberg identifying the accounts belonging to Bridgewell and ensuring this money was reunited with the non-profit.”, said Representative Walsh. “It is deeply gratifying to know that this found money will be used towards improving the lives of Bridgewell’s clients in the greater Peabody area.”

The Massachusetts Unclaimed Property Division of the Treasurer and Receiver General’s office stewards and reunites rightful owners of assets that have been turned over to the Commonwealth.  Unclaimed property consists of unclaimed financial assets such as checking and savings accounts, unpaid wages, securities, uncashed dividends, life insurance policies, uncashed checks, safe deposit boxes, etc. that are without activity for a certain period of time. Unclaimed property does not include real estate or vehicles. The Division reports that, typically, assets become unclaimed when the owner cannot be contacted for a three-year period by the holder of the asset, or for fifteen years in the case of traveler’s checks.

The Division states that unclaimed property laws began in the United States as a consumer protection program and they have evolved to protect not only the owners, but their heirs and estates as well. Once property is in the custody of the Commonwealth and its unclaimed property program, an aggressive outreach effort begins through mailings, social media, advertisements, and local media coverage. The Commonwealth will maintain custody of the property in perpetuity until the rightful owner or heirs come forward to claim.

To find out if the Division holds money for you, search your name by visiting http://www.findmassmoney.gov or call 617-367-0400.